Barcelona – Real Madrid La Liga Match Preview 22/03/15

March 22, 2015

Barcelona have only lost 1 in 18 matches in all competitions and the head into the clasico as the odds Favourite to win this one. Both teams made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League but in different manners with Real losing at home 4-3 with Schalke, while the Blaugrana achieved a 1-0 win over Man City. Ancelotti’s men have not been in great form lately winning 2 out of five only, something that is not going down well with their fans. With just one point separating the two rivals at the top of La Liga, the stakes have rarely been higher in the domestic league, and Real know they have to win this one of face some serious stick. Lionel Messi looked in formidable form against the Citizens, but failed to score, but the Argentina international racking up six goals in his last three La Liga appearances whilst Cristiano Ronaldo, has netted only once in the same amount of matches. The home side will have both Jordi Alba and Dani Alves back from suspension with both full-backs set to start at Camp Nou. In the absence of Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano will continue in defensive midfield, with Jeremy Mathieu pushed into centre-back as a result. Ivan Rakitic should retain his place in central midfield after a well-taken goal in midweek in the Champions League against Manchester City and Neymar should start on the left-hand side after returning to full training on Friday. For Real, James Rodriguez is the only real injury concern for the visitors, with Sami Khedira returning to full training during the last week. Marcelo is expected to start at left-back, despite Carlo Ancelotti sometimes preferring the defensive qualities of Fabio Coentrao in big matches. Luka Modric will start in central midfield, alongside both Toni Kroos and Isco.

A top Football predictions would have to be an over 2.5 as Barcelona been over 2.5 in their last 8 home matches against Real Madrid in all competitions and there have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Barcelona’s last 8 home games in La Liga as well as 2.5 goals in Real Madrid’s last 5 games in La Liga.

An expert betting pick would also take into consideration the fact that Barcelona have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 6 matches in La Liga.